Thrive Excelsior's May Curb Appeal Winner Announced

david and jill evert curb appeal winners stand in front of house with award sign — David and Jill Evert stand in front of their home with the Curb Appeal Contest Winner sign that will remain in their yard for this month. *Photo by Laura Mize, City of Excelsior Springs Neighborhood Specialist*

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to maintain their home and property? Now you can nominate them to win a Curb Appeal Award from the Thrive Excelsior program. Thrive Excelsior is made up of residents and stakeholders in the community, in the fields of business, tourism, education, healthcare, nonprofits and government entities. They’re both leaders and residents fostering a thriving community. Their focus is on three key areas: Economic Vitality; Health and Wellness; and Housing. The Housing Committee’s focus is to expand access to affordable housing in the community and provide financial education programs for first-time home buyers and residents. In addition to this, the committee also launched the “Curb Appeal Award” in 2021 to allow citizens an opportunity to be recognized by their neighbors for the investment they put into their home or business property.

In order to keep a balance on where awards are given in the community, the community has been divided into Curb Appeal Neighborhood Districts, where nominations rotate between areas throughout town. When chosen, a Curb Appeal award winner is recognized with a sign in their yard for a month and a $25 gift card that is donated by local sponsors.

This month Thrive Excelsior is awarding David and Jill Evert of the City Central and Southern Neighborhoods. The sponsor for the month is Tray Harkins of Flat Branch Home Loans.

“Mrs. Jill Evert proudly showed off her flowers, many of which are gifts from family. Her hydrangea was a gift from her mother, and she was able to split it into three plants. A lilac plant was a gift from a student years ago and has now grown to a full sized bush. Her back yard garden features a birdhouse built for her by her uncle and is made of wood from her Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s barn. She gladly shares flowers with family and friends. She warned that when someone shares flowers with you, it is bad luck to say thank you! Thank you, Jill, for the tour of your lovely yard!”